PORTLAND – The WIPB-TV truck parked in front of Arts Place in Portland at 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, and did not leave until after 6 p.m. In other words, it was a busy day in Portland for the first “Now Entering…” Production Day.

A crew of 15 set up shop in the beautiful arts center to interview more than a dozen local residents about the city they call home. There were stories about parks, church windows, a two-headed calf, military artifacts and more.

But one theme seemed to run through each interview – this is a caring, close-knit community of people who don’t hesitate to come together to make things happen.

Although some of the storytellers said they were nervous about appearing on camera, all did a fine job once the cameras were rolling.

Mayor Randy Geesaman kicked things off, talking about the the past and the future of Portland and providing the show’s “Welcome to Portland” moment. Sure, it took a few tries, but he nailed it.

Throughout the day, there was laughter and even a few tears.

It, honestly, could not have gone better.

So, thank you Portland for making our first Production Day a success. Now, on to the editing!